Myths Related to Dentistry in People of Lucknow: A Cross sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The existing literatures comprehend the prevalence of various myths related to dentistry amongst general public in different parts of India. Continuous efforts are being made by Public health dentists and other healthcare workers, to spread awareness and promote good oral health care across the nation. This study was done to assess the prevalence of myths related to dentistry among people of Lucknow. Material & Method: The study was carried out amongst the patients visiting the dental outpatient department of King George’s medical University. 250 subjects were questioned about myths related to oral hygiene, teething and childhood, tobacco use, dental problems and dental treatment. Results: The results of all 23 questions were obtained in 3 sections ie ‘Yes’, ‘No’ and ‘Don’t Know’ and percentage calculation was done for each question. In this study the maximum participants belonged to Upper lower class according to Kuppuswamy socioeconomic scale. The myths which were still prevalent in the population under study, were, cleaning teeth with a twig is better than toothbrush, falling of teeth with aging is a natural process and an ulcer which do not heal for a longer duration always lead to cancer. Conclusion: The results of this study concluded that there is increase in knowledge amongst the public of Lucknow city. The percentage of people who did not believe in the various myths questioned in this study was more than the people who still believed in it or were unaware of any such myths. Thus, we can say that the efforts been put up by various healthcare workers to create awareness are effective in eradicating the false traditional believes of Indian citizens but still there is a need to put in more hard work to demolish it completely and attain good oral health for all.